These days there’s a lot of hype about why we shouldn’t use cream, whole milk, butter and related full-bodied dairy products. So, we’ve created alternatives like non-dairy creamers, margarine, and fat-free cheese (ugh) rich in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (Trans fats) as substitutes for natural ingredients.
There’s something wrong with this picture. Therefore, I stay away from anything that mentions fat-free or “just as good as…” I use the REAL thing–including REAL milk, and yes, cream in my tea. And furthermore, I slather my crumpets with REAL butter, and fill my scones with REAL Double Devon Cream (plus strawberry preserves). I staunchly believe that I can eat full-bodied and rich dairy foods as long as I do so in moderation.
Now, this means I can’t enjoy a complete afternoon tea every day (that would mean many, many more pounds on the old body), but I can have tea for one in a quiet tea spot while I enjoy crumpets OR scones together with a teaspoon or two of REAL milk or half-n-half in my Earl Grey tea!
When we eat in moderation and practice self-control, natural whole foods help the body function properly. This means exercising restraint and avoiding gluttony. It means eating ONE tea goody instead of three or four; alternating milk in black tea with lemon and green tea; or using other ways you can think of to enjoy a healthy, yet satisfying tea time.
Find the right balance for you. If REAL dairy is not your thing and you enjoy using the alternatives, then good for you! But if you are using the fake products out of a sense of guilt; re-think your position and go back to natural foods and start to appreciate REAL milk in your tea again.
